Founded in 1985, the DuPage Birding Club has a long and proud history. Dick Blewett sent out the first memo October 19, 1984, calling all serious birders to a meeting of the West Suburban Bird Club on Monday evening, November 12, 1984 at 7:30 p.m. in building J of the College of DuPage.  The agenda was to discuss interest in organizing a birding group and program possibilities.  There were 17 people on that first computer list but hopefully there would be more interested birders in DuPage County.

Another notice went out on December 21, 1984, to once again meet at the College of DuPage on January 14, 1985.  This time, by-laws were to be adopted and a vote was to be taken to select the club name.  The program was a book review of the various field guides.

In the first official minutes of January 14, 1985, of the newly formed DuPage Birding Club, the by-laws were adopted and dues were set at $10.  The club’s first officers elected were: Dick Blewett (President), Dick Young (President Elect), June Anderson (Recording Secretary), Donna Desch (Corresponding Secretary), Hal Cohen (Treasurer).

The club was to meet six times a year: January, March, May, July, September and November.

According to the January minutes, “The intent of the DuPage Birding Club is to provide fun and camaraderie between birders of all levels and ages while enjoying some serious birding experiences.” The club adopted the slogan Birding with a Purpose to communicate member commitment to and passion for birding. To them it meant being an ambassador for the birds by participating in research and education, creating good birding opportunities for everyone regardless of experience level, and sharing their knowledge with others.

Members were to come to the March meeting prepared to list two or three birds on their “wanted list” that they were to be contacted if found in the area.  Also wanted was a brief description of favorite birding locations.

Following minutes showed meetings to be much the same as we currently hold.  Interest was in field trips and seeing rare or unusual birds.  Early programs were given by Ken Brock, Lee Johnson of Sand Bluff Banding Station, Jim Landing, Mark Spreyer, Joe Milosevich and other familiar names in the field of birding.  Many rare birds have been seen since those first meetings, but we are still following the basic guidelines set down by the charter members.